A NEW KIND OF MAGIC

Magic: The Gathering turns 25 years old next year, but hitting the quarter-of-a-century mark isn’t going to stop the collectible card game from shaking things up in a big way.

From next spring onwards, the card game will drop its current habit of releasing blocks made up of multiple sets, in favour of a fresh ‘three-and-one’ schedule that will consist of three big standalone expansions launched in spring, autumn and winter. Each set will be legal for Standard play and will feature a unique theme, setting and mechanics, although stories may cross over from one pack to the next.

About Tabletop Gaming

Cover feature: Starfinder: We have an exclusive chat with creative director James Sutter about the huge sci-fi sequel to massively popular fantasy RPG Pathfinder. Featuring exclusive artwork from the upcoming game.
Awe of the Ring: As Middle-earth prepares to turn 80, we speak to influential and renowned creators of board games based on The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
UK Games Expo 2017: Picture Special: The unmissable sights and games from the UK’s biggest gaming show.
Swords, Sex & Sci-fi: Legendary RPG designer and R. Talsorian founder Mike Pondsmith and his son Cody speak exclusively to us about the legacy of revolutionary game Cyberpunk and their upcoming tabletop adaptation of lauded fantasy video game The Witcher.
What War Is Good For: Fans and publishers of miniature wargaming titles tell us how battling on the tabletop has fostered a strong sense of community.
Playing With Yourself: Creators of single-player-only games tell us why gaming alone can be just as rewarding.
How Analogue Gaming Went Digital: We take a close look at the rise of digital apps in the tabletop world.
Rediscovering the Disc: In celebration of next year’s 20th anniversary of Discworld, the creators look back on one of the more unique entries in the genre.
The Making of: Hunt a Killer, which uses a subscription box-like format to deliver a mystery game to players over the course of several months.
Painting guide: We tackle the eighth edition of Warhammer 40,000.
Ten of the Best: Word Games (That aren’t Scrabble).
Introduction to: Forbidden Island and its sequel, Forbidden Desert – the kid-friendly Pandemic follow-up.
Columns: With Bruno Faidutti, Jeff Tidball, Holly Gramazio and Doctors Paul Wake and Sam Illingworth
Played: The latest reviews and exclusive interviews including: Starfinder, Sub Terra and Warhammer 40,000.